Written with sympathetic humor and compassion, this masterful portrait of upper-class decline made Ivan Goncharov famous throughout Russia on its publication in 1859. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia’s dying aristocracy—a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends, and found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Terrified by the activity necessary to participate in the real world, Oblomov manages to avoid work, postpones change, and—finally—risks losing the love of his life. This superb translation by David Magarshack captures all the subtle comedy and near-tragedy of the original.

Includes a new introduction and chronology of Goncharov's life and works

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From the Inside Flap:

The sly, subversive side of the nineteenth-century Russian literary character -- the one which represents such a contrast to the titanic exertions of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky -- was most fully realized in Ivan Goncharov's 1859 masterpiece, OBLOMOV. This magnificent farce about a gentleman who spends the better part of his life in bed is a reminder of the extent to which humor, in the hands of a comic genius, can be used to explore the absurdities and injustices of a social order.

About the Author:

Ivan Goncharov (1812–1891) was the son of a rich merchant family, spent most of his life as a civil servant, and published three novels.

David Magarshack was known for his many translations from his native Russian, including works by Dostoyevsky.

David Magarshack was known for his many translations from his native Russian, including works by Dostoyevsky.

Book Description Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, 2005. Paperback. Book Condition: New. 196 x 128 mm. Language: English . Brand New Book. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia s dying aristocracy a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends and found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Terrified by the bustle and activity necessary to participate in the real world, Oblomov manages to avoid work, postpone change and finally risks losing the love of his life. Written with sympathetic humour and compassion, Oblomov made Goncharov famous throughout Russia on its publication in 1859, as readers saw in this story of a man whose defining characteristic is indolence, the portrait of an entire class in decline. Bookseller Inventory # APG9780140449877

Book Description Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, 2005. Paperback. Book Condition: New. 196 x 128 mm. Language: English . Brand New Book. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia s dying aristocracy a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends and found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Terrified by the bustle and activity necessary to participate in the real world, Oblomov manages to avoid work, postpone change and finally risks losing the love of his life. Written with sympathetic humour and compassion, Oblomov made Goncharov famous throughout Russia on its publication in 1859, as readers saw in this story of a man whose defining characteristic is indolence, the portrait of an entire class in decline. Bookseller Inventory # APG9780140449877

Book Description Penguin Classics, 2005. Book Condition: New. Brand New, Unread Copy in Perfect Condition. A+ Customer Service! Summary: Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia's dying aristocracy - a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends and found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Terrified by the bustle and activity necessary to participate in the real world, Oblomov manages to avoid work and postpone change, and - finally - risks losing the love of his life. Written with sympathetic humour and compassion, Oblomov made Goncharov famous throughout Russia on its publication in 1859, as readers saw in this story of a man whose defining characteristic is indolence, the portrait of an entire class in decline.David Magarshack's superb translation captures all the subtle comedy and near-tragedy of the original. In his introduction, he discusses the lasting significance of the novel and the way Goncharov created his universal character. Bookseller Inventory # ABE_book_new_0140449876

Book Description Penguin Classics, 2005. Book Condition: New. 2005. Revised. Paperback. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia's dying aristocracy a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends and found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Translator(s): Magarshack, David. Num Pages: 496 pages. BIC Classification: FC. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 197 x 128 x 22. Weight in Grams: 344. . . . . . . Bookseller Inventory # V9780140449877

Book Description Penguin Classics 2005-03-31, 2005. Book Condition: New. Brand new book, sourced directly from publisher. Dispatch time is 24-48 hours from our warehouse. Book will be sent in robust, secure packaging to ensure it reaches you securely. Bookseller Inventory # NU-GRD-00634285

Book Description 2005. Paperback. Book Condition: New. 1st. 129mm x 23mm x 198mm. Paperback. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia's dying aristocracy a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends and found himself i.Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. 484 pages. 0.340. Bookseller Inventory # 9780140449877